I2D2: Imagination, innovation, discovery, and design

Abstract

A large-scale collaborative learning project involving first-year engineering students and fifth graders from local schools was developed and implemented during the fall of 2010. Entitled 'I2D2: Imagination, Innovation, Discovery, and Design,' the program's success in the first year inspired program continuation during the 2011 school year and beyond. The program was developed for an intended dual benefit of both college and intermediate school students. The college students worked with the intermediate school students on LEGO1 activities and then had the opportunity to talk with them about their ideas for a Robotic Pet-in this way serving as a 'customer' to a first-year engineering design project. For the intermediate school students, the goal was to offer exposure to a university setting and instill an interest and recognition of the engineering/scientific process to help prepare them for their science fair projects. The results indicate that while intermediate school students are already interested in going to college, exposure through hands-on activities with college students can increase their interest level in STEM fields. For the first-year engineering students, differential responses were indicated by women and students with younger siblings. Finally, the intermediate school teachers were interviewed after the event for their feedback and reaction to the event. Future plans for improved program administration and assessment are discussed.